[🇧🇩] Monitoring the political activities of BNP

Saif · Sep 11, 2024

Conspiracy of ex-dictator’s ‘ghosts’ won’t succeed

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman yesterday said the ghosts of the deposed dictator are spreading confusion and engaging in various unethical activities using the name of BNP.

www.thedailystar.net

Conspiracy of ex-dictator’s ‘ghosts’ won’t succeed
Says Tarique

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman yesterday said the ghosts of the deposed dictator are spreading confusion and engaging in various unethical activities using the name of BNP.

"The dictator has been ousted. But the ghosts of the dictator are still roaming around. They are trying to spread various confusions. Many of them have been involved in various unethical activities, using the name of this party [BNP]," he said.

He said they would not gain anything from conspiring.

The democracy-loving people of Bangladesh and the true soldiers of martyred president Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia will protest, resist, and give a befitting reply to this conspiracy, he added.

He was addressing a public rally at Gopalpur Upazila of Tangail district, through a virtual platform.

The rally was arranged on Suti VM Pilot Model Government High School ground in Gopalpur demanding the release of BNP leader Abdus Salam Pintu.

The BNP acting chairman said his party's goal is to ensure political freedom and simultaneous economic emancipation for the people of the country.

Noting that BNP's politics is for development and raising production in the country, he said. If BNP could come to power getting the public mandate in the election, its government would unlock the prospects of different local areas for the economic emancipation of the people.

He said they have been able to overthrow the dictator with the support and cooperation of the people of Bangladesh.

"If we are able to form a government getting your support and cooperation in the coming days, we'll unlock the doors of these potentials so that the people of Bangladesh will be able to earn economic emancipation," he said.

Tarique demanded the release of all leaders and activists, including Abdur Salam Pintu of BNP and also other opposition parties, who have been kept detained in jail in "false" cases.

BNP leaders Ahmed Azam Khan and Sultan Salahuddin Tuku, Tangail district BNP president Hasanuzzaman Shaheen and its general secretary Farhad Iqbal, among others, addressed the event presided over by Gopalpur upazila BNP president Jahangir Alam.

Saif · Sep 11, 2024

Australian envoy meets Fakhrul, talks about polls

Acting High Commissioner of Australia in Dhaka, Nardia Simpson, on Wednesday, met BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and discussed various issues related to bilateral interests and Bangladesh’s next national election. The hour-long meeting, which began around 12:30pm, was held

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Australian envoy meets Fakhrul, talks about polls
UNB
Published :
Sep 11, 2024 20:45
Updated :
Sep 11, 2024 20:45

Acting High Commissioner of Australia in Dhaka, Nardia Simpson, on Wednesday, met BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and discussed various issues related to bilateral interests and Bangladesh’s next national election.

The hour-long meeting, which began around 12:30pm, was held at the BNP chairperson’s office in Gulshan.

BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and the party chairperson’s International Relations Affairs Committee member Shama Obed were present.

Later, talking to reporters, Khosru said the discussions at the meeting focused on bilateral matters, including business, trade, investment, and different exchange programmes and assistance.

Besides, he said they also discussed the current situation in Bangladesh following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina regime, the performance of the present interim government, and Bangladesh’s upcoming election.

“What we are thinking after the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government and how the Interim Government is performing and how its first month was, what our expectation for the coming days is, what Bangladesh’s expectations are, and other issues were discussed,” said Amir Khosru.

The meeting also discussed the issues related to Rohingya and Bangladeshi students who are pursuing studies in Australia, he said.

“Bangladesh election was discussed. They (Australia) wanted to know what time it would take for (the arrangement of) the election, also what changes are needed to reform the electoral system... how they are progressing,” he said.

Following the overall discussion, they (Australia) think that by solving these problems as soon as possible, power will be transferred to a democratic government through a free and fair election in Bangladesh in the future, said the BNP leader.

Saif · Sep 14, 2024

Fakhrul calls for vigilance to thwart AL cadres

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today urged the people of the country to stay vigilant against Awami League cadres, who are lurking like hyenas and may launch violent attacks at any moment

www.thedailystar.net

Fakhrul calls for vigilance to thwart AL cadres

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today urged the people of the country to stay vigilant against Awami League cadres, who are lurking like hyenas and may launch violent attacks at any moment.

Speaking at a rally at the Central Shaheed Minar, he also urged all political parties not to succumb to the plots of associates of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who aim to divide the people.

The BNP leader called upon the interim government to provide appropriate compensation and allowances to the families of those who were killed, maimed, or wounded in democratic movements against Hasina's regime over the past 16 years.

"Our Swechchhasebak Dal President SM Jilani was injured in an attack in Gopalganj yesterday (Friday). His wife was also injured while one leader was martyred. This attack manifests that they are still lurking like hyenas and may strike at any moment. We must resist their attacks," he said.

BNP arranged the rally to pay homage in memory of those who lost their lives in the recent student-led mass uprising and the struggle against authoritarianism over the past 17 years.

Fakhrul said democracy-loving people have carried out movements by sacrificing their lives and enduring severe repression over the last 16 years, including last July and August.

"I extend my greetings and salute to those martyrs of the democratic movement who gave their lives and to those who have been injured or maimed," he said.

He also praised the leaders and activists of BNP who, despite numerous provocations and temptations, have remained steadfast and continue to work for the protection of the country.

Stating that the current interim government was established through struggle and significant sacrifices, Fakhrul said the expectations of the people from this administration are sky-high.

He said the people believe that this government will create a democratic environment and a level playing field, and reform democratic institutions to the extent necessary for establishing a democratic state and society through a meaningful and fair election.

Fakhrul also urged the government to withdraw all the cases filed against opposition leaders and workers during the autocratic regime of Sheikh Hasina.

"On the eve of International Democracy Day, we want to pledge that we will work together to transform Bangladesh into a true democratic state and strengthen its institutions... In the days ahead, let us not look back. Instead, let us move forward in favour of democracy, the people, and humanity. Let this be our pledge today," Fakhrul said.

Saif · Sep 14, 2024

A long way to go to build robust democracy: Tarique Rahman

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman today said Bangladesh still has a long way to go to build a robust and strong democracy

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A long way to go to build robust democracy: Tarique Rahman

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman today said Bangladesh still has a long way to go to build a robust and strong democracy.

He said this in a message on the occasion of the International Day of Democracy to be observed tomorrow with the theme "Navigating AI for Governance and Citizen Engagement".

"Personally, my party and I believe that there is no alternative to promoting and upholding the principles of democracy," Tarique said.

He said democracy is a universal value that recognises people's freedom of expression and unhindered expression of thoughts.

"We are determined to build such a safe, progressive and democratic Bangladesh, which will contribute to global democratic development crossing state boundary," he said.

Since 2007, every year on September 15, the International Day of Democracy is a special day observed by the member countries of the United Nations to create interest in democracy and to realise its inherent power, said the BNP acting chairman.

Tarique Rahman said multi-party democracy based on equality, human dignity, individual freedom, freedom of speech and social justice was at the core of Martyred President Ziaur Rahman's everlasting philosophy of Bangladeshi nationalism.

This thought and philosophy were pioneered by former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia on the uninterrupted path of uncompromising struggle, he said.

Tarique Rahman said democratic Bangladesh, which was founded on the people's aspirations, came under repeated vindictive attacks by cruel dictators in their evil attempts to destroy the multi-dimensional democracy.

Against the backdrop of the continuous struggle of Khaleda Zia for a decade and a half, the worst dictator in history has fallen in the mass uprising of students-people last July that stunned the world, said the BNP acting chairman.

This year's theme of the International Day of Democracy is "Navigating AI for Governance and Citizen Engagement" is a very time-befitting one, he said, adding that technological advancement must be harnessed to ensure the rule of law.

Tarique Rahman mentioned that in the last 16-17 years, crores of voters were not allowed to exercise their voting rights.

The BNP acting chairman said several generations of the country have grown up in a fearful and authoritarian environment without the practice and application of democratic rights.

"We are committed to restoring democracy in Bangladesh in unison. Free, impartial and participatory elections; independent judiciary and media and institutional implementation of all principles of democracy will be the foundation of our state reform.

"InshAllah, we will build a Bangladesh that will ensure prosperity and self-reliance of future generations, inclusive and liberal political environment and social stability and justice," he added

Saif · Sep 14, 2024

Will Jamaat be part of BNP’s national government?

Many political analysts feel that in the new political reality, Jamaat wants to ascend to power with other Islamic parties, not as BNP's partner. Is that realistic?

en.prothomalo.com

Will Jamaat be part of BNP’s national government?
Sohrab Hassan
Published: 14 Sep 2024, 14: 34

A few days ago a BNP leader called me over the phone and asked if we had noticed that their acting chairperson Tarique Rahman was wanting to introduce a new trend of politics in the country. When asked what that new trend was, he said it was about forming a national government and running the state on a 31-point basis.

On 13 July last year BNP had declared a 31-point “state repair” concept which included an inclusive, non-discriminatory and harmonious social contract based on Bangladeshi nationalism; a non-partisan election-time caretaker government; balance in the executive powers of the prime minister and cabinet; no one able to be prime minister for more than two consecutive terms; an “upper house” in the parliament; and so on.

At that time too BNP has spoken of forming a national government with the inclusion of parties which were in the movement. The allied parties did not really take the matter into much consideration. They said, let the autocratic government be removed first, then they would think about a government framework. BNP and the other political parties failed to topple the government of Sheikh Hasina. Later we saw it was a movement by the students sparked off by the demand for quota reforms that morphed into a mass uprising and overthrew Sheikh Hasina.

After the fall of the Awami League government, BNP brought the issue forward again. Joining a recent field level meeting of BNP leaders and activists online, party acting chairman Tarique Rahman said that with the support of the people, BNP would run the country in the future by means of a “national government”. He claimed that, “By forming a party government instead of a national government after the country’s independence, Awami League had divided the country from day one. That is why a large section failed to take part in building the country despite their desire to do so.”

But had the division been dissolved after 1975 during the rule of Ziaur Rahman and then in 1991 during the rule of Khaleda Zia? No. The opportunity slipped away repeatedly.

However, after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina goverment, differences have been noticed in many issues between BNP and Jamaat. Jamaat is endeavouring to form an alliance with other Islamic parties.

As to who will be a part of the national government, Tarique Rahman said, “The people will surely not want the national government to include the parties that made the entire country the personal property of a single party or family, that placed a debt burden of 150,000 taka on each of our shoulders in the name of development, that laundered billions of taka overseas, that terrorised the people with enforced disappearances, killing, attacks, cases and torture, and sent prices of essentials spiralling out of people's reach."

Tarique Rahman was referring to the Awami League, the party recently toppled from power. In other words, the national government proposed by BNP or Tarique Rahman does not include Awami League and its allies. But will the remaining parties -- left, right and centre -- all be there?

The proposal for a national government is nothing new in Bangladesh. After independence, NAP leader Muzaffar Ahmed was the first to talk about forming a government with all parties that took part in the liberation war. Awami League paid no heed.

After the change in political scenario in 1975, JSD leader Col (retd) Abu Taher proposed that a national government be formed with the exclusion of Awami-BKSAL parties. It did not work out.

In 1996 Awami League lured in two BNP members of parliament and formed a government of national consensus. If any party or side is left out of a national government, it is no longer national.

The question is, how many parties will be a part of BNP's national government? BNP talks of Bangladeshi nationalism. Will those who believe in Bangladeshi socialism or in Islamic form of government, be willing to be bracketed with BNP

BNP is talking about a national government without Awami League and its 14 party allies. Yet the leaders of BNP's main ally Jamaat-e-Islami sings a different tune. Jamaat is their old ally. In 1999 during Sheikh Hasina's first government, BNP, Jamaat, Jatiya Party and Islami Oikya Jote had formed an anti-government coalition. Later Hussain Muhammad Ershad broke away from that coalition, but Jamaat, Islami Oikya Jote and a faction of Jatiya Party remained with BNP through thick and thin. In 2001-2006 BNP and Jamaat even formed a coalition government.

However, after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina goverment, differences have been noticed in many issues between BNP and Jamaat. Jamaat is endeavouring to form an alliance with other Islamic parties, according to the media. Both parties also have a sharply different stand on the interim government's reforms. BNP wants the interim government to speedily complete the reforms and arrange for the election. Jamaat says, they are willing to give the government as much time as required to carry out the reforms.

Their difference on the India and Awami League question is different too. Speaking to newspapers on 3 September, Jamaat-e-Islami's amir Dr Shafiqur Rahman declared that there would be no vengeance against Awami League and they would be pardoned. But BNP leaders question how can a party be forgiven are 15 years of oppression and repression.
About India, the Jamaat amir said, "We want friendship with all. We need a friendly and supportive country. Neighbours can't be changed. Why do you think of change?"

In response, Tarique Rahman said, "Over the past few days we see a political party stepping into the trap of a neighbour. That is why they are saying things that are misleading."

Delhi's policymakers would consider Jamaat more dangerous than BNP. That is why the Jamaat leader's words have made BNP's policymakers suspicious.

Those who led in the anti-quota movement also have divergent views. Some want BNP to run the country in the absence of Awami League. Then again, many among them feel that both Awami League and BNP have failed the democracy test. There were even slogans heard on Dhaka's streets that Awami League and BNP were two poisons of the same snake.

In the meantime there has been tension between BNP and Jamaat over the posts of vice chancellor at various universities. Before they were united as the white panel opposed to the blue panel. Now in the absence of the blue panel, they are divided.

Many political analysts feel that in the new political reality, Jamaat wants to ascend to power with other Islamic parties, not as BNP's partner. Is that realistic? In the past, no matter how strong Jamaat may have been at a field level, they never fared well in the elections. They never secured more than 5 per cent of the vote in any election. The state of the other political parties is even worse.

Then again, it must be observed what decision the Ganatantra Mancha allies take if Jamaat becomes a partner of BNP's national government.
* Sohrab Hassan is joint editor of Prothom Alo and a poet